Here’s Your Gen Z-fied Summer Guide to Manila, Boracay, and Cebu

Here’s the ultimate bucket list for a GenZ-fied summer because life is too short for boring vacations. Whether you like vibe of the city, crave an island getaway, or discover hidden cultural gems, this guide has all the inspo you need. 

The best part? Megaworld Hotels & Resorts is ready to make your trip better. Think stylish stays, TikTok-worthy corners, and all the comfort you need to recharge between adventures.

MANILA: For the city-loving foodie & lowkey staycay queen

1. Eat your way on a Binondo Food Crawl

If you have a soft spot for food and culture, Binondo is the ultimate playground. As the world’s oldest Chinatown, it is bursting with stories, centuries-old churches, and a culinary scene that hits all the right notes. 

History? Check.

Dimsum? Check.

TikTok-worthy food stops? Triple check.

Where to stay: Stay close to the heart of the action at Hotel Lucky Chinatown. Located steps away from all the flavorful chaos, it is the perfect spot to rest between bites and food coma naps.

Insider Tip: Just 15 minutes from Hotel Lucky Chinatown lies the historic Calle Escolta. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Calvo Museum, where you can explore a wide collection of vintage memorabilia and antiques and admission is absolutely free.

2. Staycation Goals in the Newport Area

Sometimes, the best kind of vacation is the one where you do not need to pack your passport. Head over to Newport City for a stress-free staycation filled with everything you love—airport proximity, shopping, event spaces, and cafés just around the corner. 

Where to stay: Treat yourself to a city escape at Savoy Hotel Manila for a staycay setup that screams main character energy. As the Philippines’ leading airport hotel, it is also the perfect jump off point for your vacays upon arrival or before departure.

Insider Tip: Craving street food? Take the back entrance of Savoy Hotel Manila and head straight to 10th Street, where you’ll find a variety of unique and mouthwatering local street eats—perfect for a quick bite or a late-night foodie adventure in the heart of Manila.

BORACAY: For the sun chasers & tropical dreamers

3. Take a Snap of the Different Beaches in Boracay

While White Beach is iconic, there is a whole other side to Boracay waiting to be explored. From the serene shores of Puka Beach to the postcard-perfect landscapes of Boracay Newcoast, this island is not just about parties and sunsets, it is also your gateway to hidden gems and tranquil spots where you can slow down and bask in tropical bliss. 

Where to stay: Tucked away in the peaceful Boracay Newcoast estate, Belmont Hotel Boracay offers a more secluded and serene stay—perfect for those looking to escape the crowd without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Book a room with an overlooking view of the beach and keyhole rock formation.

Insider Tip: For a panoramic view of Boracay, make your way to Mount Luho, the island’s highest peak. The view is especially magical during sunrise and sunset, when the sky lights up in breathtaking colors.

4. Try Exhilarating Water Activities

If your idea of fun includes a little thrill, then Boracay’s lineup of water activities is your summer dream come true. Hop on a banana boat, go parasailing for sky-high views, or take an ATV ride along scenic trails. It is the kind of high-energy adventure that will have you grinning through your goggles and filling your phone with GoPro-worthy content.

Where to stay: After the fun, crash in style at Savoy Hotel Boracay, where modern rooms and chill vibes let you recharge and get ready for the next round of action.

Insider Tip: Just a short boat ride from the main island, Ariel’s Point is the ultimate adventure hotspot. Spend the day cliff diving from various heights, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or playing beach volleyball. It is the perfect escape for thrill-seekers.

CEBU: For the adventurers & island hoppers

5. Explore Cebu’s Historical Gems

Beyond the beaches and bites, Cebu is home to some of the country’s most iconic heritage sites and Mactan is your gateway to the landmarks that echo the stories of the Spanish colonial era. Step into the past with a visit to Magellan’s Cross, wander the walls of Fort San Pedro, and take in the spiritual beauty of Basilica del Santo Niño. 

Where to stay: After a day of sightseeing, head back to Belmont Hotel Mactan and kick back in style with all the modern comforts you deserve.

Insider Tip: Jump on a boat and head to Olango Island, which is a must-visit for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Recognized as one of the world’s seven most important flyways for migratory birds, the island serves as a seasonal haven for species traveling from Siberia, Northern China, and Japan. With 97 bird species recorded, Olango offers a truly unique wildlife experience. Beyond birdwatching, the island is also home to three incredible dive sites, where you can explore a rich and diverse marine ecosystem beneath the waves.

6. Taste Authentic Cebuano Food

One word: lechon. But it does not stop there. Cebu’s food scene is all about bold flavors, from juicy grilled seafood to sutukil—a mix of sugba (grill), tula (soup), and kinilaw (ceviche). Every meal is a feast, and every bite tells a story. Go ahead, live your foodie fantasy and eat like a true local.

Where to stay: Belmont Hotel Mactan keeps you close to Cebu’s tastiest spots, so you’re never far from your next flavorful find. Gather your loved ones and indulge in a heartwarming Spanish-Filipino feast with La Trinidad offer.

Insider Tip: Long before The Mactan Newtown became the vibrant township, several towering trees had already taken root in the area. Some of them still stand tall by the beach, bearing silent witness to years of change and growth. These trees offer a cooling shade along beachfronts.

7. Get Wet & Wild with Water Adventures

Cebu is a certified playground for water babies. From snorkeling and diving with vibrant marine life to jet skiing across the waves, every moment in the water is a chance to make a memory. Mactan Island is where it all begins.

Where to stay: Just a few minutes from the beach, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown gives you the perfect basecamp for both underwater thrills and sunset chill sessions.

Insider Tip: Beyond the vibrant Sinulog Festival in January, Cebu also celebrates the sweet and sunny Mango Festival every May. A tribute to one of the province’s most iconic and delicious fruits. This lively event showcases Cebu’s rich agricultural heritage while honoring one of Cebu’s greatest products.